DA requests urgent meeting with president on education bill

By Akani Nkuna

President Cyril Ramaphosa is meant to sign the Basic Education Law Amendment Bill (BELA) into law on Friday, but DA leader John Steenhuisen is demanding an urgent meeting, warning that if signed in its current form, it will endanger the spirit of the government of national unity (GNU).

“If he proceeds… he will violate both the letter and spirit of the joint Statement of Intent, that forms the basis of the GNU,” Steenhuisen said on Wednesday.

The Presidency sent out a media alert earlier in the day announcing that he would sign the document at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.

The contentious legislation was introduced with the aim of strengthening governance in the country’s education sector. It will result in a number of changes, including making Grade R compulsory and criminalising the act of failing to ensure your child attends school, including possible jail time.

It will